Long reining problems

[Guinness]

Ive been helping my friend bring her mare back into work after a very long break. She has recently been having treatment for hock spavins but the vet has given her the all clear for 20 mins work a day. So sensibly we have decided to long rein first before attempting to get on her! Anyway, my friend doesnt seem to have any problems with her, but she is the kind of person that will just let her trundle along and not really ask anything of her. When I work her however, I actually ask her to listen to me and she doesnt seem to like it. She will go forward quite happily, but refuses to stand. She will start walking backwards and try and turn round. If I get angry with her she will swish her tail and try and kick out (to me this suggests she is having a temper trantrum?) Anyway, Im not really sure what to do about it, tonight I was just getting her to stand then walk on straight away before she had a chance to mess around-do you think this is the best way forward? And then gradually increase the length of time stood still for? Any tips greatfully received!

 

[air78]

I would think that you need to use stronger body language to keep her away from you if she is trying to turn round; and if she's backing up could you not be releasing the pressure quickly enough once she halts?

What position are you when asking for halt? i.e. are you behind her asking on a straight line, or alongside her in a round pen etc.

 

[Guinness]

We dont have a school so was out on the road-I stand behind her (slightly to one side) and ask for her to stand on a straight line. You could be right about releasing the pressure though I will try that thanks. Also, I did her in the field the other night and didnt seem to have a problem so was thinking it might be napping?

 

[muffinino]

Use your voice with a very firm 'STAND' if she looks like moving. If she moves backwards try to make her stand, if she won't walk her forward or turn her and stand again, so that you are the one in control. Do you carry a whip? A touch on the backside (as long as she doesn't kick) if she steps backwards, then a few seconds standing then walk on.

I had the same problem with a little Welsh pony I was breaking to drive, she would throw herself around rather than stand, to the point where she threw herself into a few hedges and scratched her eyes a couple of times. Thankfully didn't kick so I could tap her on the bum with the whip if she came backwards. One day I halted her and she went to move on, so I halted again and out of temper she pawed the ground but unfortunately for her she'd put herself over a puddle and soaked herself! I made her stand for a bit after she'd had her tantrum then moved on. She behaved a bit better after that, lol!

 

[air78]

You need to kind of ask and then release asap. If you wanted a rein back you would maintain the pressue.
If you are kind of alongside her and she is against a hedge/ verge when you ask for the halt drop eye contact then when she stops you might need to make eye contact again to keep the halt/ keep her straight. You'd need to have a little play around to see what she responds to best.
Have fun